The trial of Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has seen the First Prosecution Witness, Ogau Onyeka Michael, testify before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. Michael disclosed how Emefiele allegedly approved the disbursement of $6,230,000 in cash for international election observers during the 2023 general election.
As the former branch controller of the CBN in Abuja, Michael stated that the request for the payment came to his office on January 8, 2023. He emphasized that the approval for the disbursement of the substantial amount in cash came directly from the then CBN boss, with directives for the money to be channeled to a staff of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for election observance. The funds were to be refunded by the Federal Ministry of Finance in the second quarter of 2023.
Michael further revealed that the documents presented to him carried the approvals of the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Upon review and satisfaction, he forwarded the request for payment to the head of the banking services unit for processing and subsequent payment. The $6,230,000 payment was made in cash on April 8, 2023, and Michael confirmed his signature on the related document.
During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, sought to tender six documents as exhibits. However, he noted that two of these documents, featuring the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the President’s approvals, were photocopies. Oyedepo requested a 30-minute recess to obtain the original copies from the CBN complex. The defense counsel, Mathew Bukka, objected to the timeline proposed by the prosecution, suggesting an adjournment until the next day.
After considering their arguments, Justice Muazu adjourned the trial to February 13, 2024, for its continuation. This development sets the stage for further revelations and legal deliberations in the high-profile case.
